Lord’s Day Bulletin

We are studying a series on The Book of Revelation. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey wrote, "The Book of Revelation has fascinated Christians over many centuries. It has inspired
thorough study, good spiritual counsel, and an immense amount of silliness. Too often Christians have come to the Revelation with a whole list of questions they immediately want answered. What or who is 666? Who is the beast? What is the 1,000 years described in Revelation 20? These questions and many more are important and fascinating. But in order to answer them correctly we must understand the basic character and meaning of the book as a whole."
Manifestly it is a revelation by Jesus about himself. The book is meant to be read, heard, and heeded by the churches throughout every age in every place. The risen king says that this book is meant to provide a blessing (7 blessings throughout the book) to his people. We pray that
exploring this revelation together that our love for Christ, His Gospel, His Church, and His People will grow. In addition, we pray that we will be better equipped to face the trials, tribulations, and persecutions of this present evil age with faith, perseverance, and hope. Finally, we hope that it will help us to be able to understand the age in which we live and love and serve our neighbors in light of the first and second advents of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

During the evening series, we are exploring the Minor Prophets. Rev. James Boice noted that the prophetical books dramatize the character of God in unique ways. In particular, God’s sovereignty, holiness, love, justice, and covenantal fidelity are revealed. These prophets, books, and history are sometimes a bit foreign to us. However, we hope and pray that this series will manifest their timeliness then and now. In addition, we pray that they will reveal to us the person and work of Jesus Christ, as Jesus himself noted that all of the prophets reveal him in one way or another. We pray that God will use this study of his word to nourish our faith in him and that he will sanctify us through his word and Spirit as he conforms us to the image of his beloved Son.

(For a more lengthy discussion, listen to the "What is the Gospel?" video on our Suggested Reading and Media page.)
The gospel means 'good report' or 'good news.' The gospel is not just good news because of its content. It is good news because of the form of its delivery. It is not good advice. The gospel never tells us something to do. The gospel tells us about something that has already been done.
The form which Christ has chosen for the delivery for this saving message is through the means of preaching. Throughout the scriptures God's Word is described as mighty and powerful -- living and active. It will not return unto God void without accomplishing every purpose for which He sent it.
God's Word is not a textbook or a mere historical record of what God did once upon a time. God's Word, here and now, is killing and making alive; condemning and justifying. This is the nature of the word of God. That is why the apostle Paul says that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ preached. How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall he preach unless he is sent? Preaching is the chosen means of grace bringing life out of death. We find this all the way from Genesis to Revelation. (Dr. Michael Horton)

The Short Answer: The English word ‘creed’ comes from the Greek credo, which simply means ‘I believe.’ Everyone has beliefs about what the Bible teaches. Though people sometimes claim to have ‘no creed but Christ,’ we find on closer questioning they often have very different ideas about who Jesus was and what he did for us. We believe having written statements of essential beliefs—creeds as well as their longer cousins, confessions—help us clarify our convictions and distinguish ourselves from others who profess Christ but perhaps believe wrongly. From ancient times Christians have expressed themselves in writing as a way to prevent confusion, pass on truth and hold the Church accountable to the historic landmarks of our catholic (one true Church) and Protestant heritage. Our doctrinal standards are not above the Bible but simply relate how we have interpreted the Bible on key issues. (Rev. Danny Hyde)